Susanne is a little gem sometimes and today is no different - she has posted an interesting review of the SBSC programme and it's changes.  The programme largely revolves around partners who sell SBS, although it is aimed at any who services small businesses (just in case you somehow have not heard of it).

We are making changes this year, which included the removal of the Premium part of the badge.  SBSC compares very favourably to the Certified Partner Programme in so much as you don't have to give Microsoft £1,000 or have to have 2 people certified in the same subject area.  Membership to SBSC does not cost money, but does require an MCP in one of two areas and the passing of a simple sales and marketing exam.  If you are already a SBSC member your opinion as to what else should be on the list of requirements will be key to shaping the implementation for next year.

Benefits of SBSC membership:

1. Microsoft notices you over the other 25,000+ registered partners in the UK
2. Access to the private managed news groups which are monitored and answered by our support teams
3. Partner finder tools show SBSC partners 1st
4. Small Business advertising campaigns refer people to the partner finder tool and SBSC partners
5. Ability to apply for co-funded campaigns
6. Access to private livemeetings to discuss technology, business and the small business market.
7. 1st to be asked for Technology Adoption Programme - so help beta and provide feedback on our products and then do some marketing
8. Access to the UK Small Business team, so people like me

you can find out more about sbsc at http://www.microsoft.com/uk/partner/sbsc

ttfn

David